Colombia earthquake toll climbs to 239 dead, 287 missing

The death toll from a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Colombia has risen to 239, with 287 people still missing, according to the National Disaster Risk Management Unit (UNGRD).

The powerful tremor impacted 403 towns across 14 provinces, affecting a total of 49,214 people from 24,324 families. The disaster has caused widespread devastation, prompting a significant national and international response.

Peru has dispatched a plane carrying 12.5 tons of aid supplies for earthquake victims in Colombia. The Colombian Red Cross has deployed teams to 16 of the country's 32 departments to support emergency response efforts in numerous municipalities, including Quibdo, Pereira, Manizales, and Cali.

President Abelardo de la Espriella visited Pereira, the city with the highest number of casualties, and announced that rental assistance would be provided to families who lost their homes. "We will not leave anyone alone in these difficult times," De la Espriella stated, adding, "We will provide this support so that people can breathe a little in the midst of this tragedy. Seeing all those businesses destroyed as I passed through the center of Pereira broke my heart."

The Bogota Food Bank is preparing to send approximately 50,000 tons of food and non-perishable goods to aid victims. Meanwhile, Matecana International Airport in Pereira has suspended commercial flights due to significant infrastructure damage, and its reopening date remains uncertain.

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We will not leave anyone alone in these difficult times. We will provide this support so that people can breathe a little in the midst of this tragedy. Seeing all those businesses destroyed as I passed through the center of Pereira broke my heart.